A quirky Korean American dancer struggles to make her dream come alive while dealing with her parents, who are of a more traditional stock.

Interview with Director Kari Lee Cartwright

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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Hey, thanks so much! Ya know, I had known Sarah (lead actress) from the commercial world before 'Alice'. We would see one another at auditions and were friendly, then one day, coffee happened! I read her script, got what she was going for, knew I could elevate it and said "Okay!" Once I met Esther, our other producer, it was such a no brainer!

The timing was right for me, personally, and come on- the time is RIGHT NOW for audiences to see a regular, human woman at the forefront of a story who is Asian American.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Let's face it, life doesn't look the same as our parents' generation and it hasn't for a while.

'Alice' is a familiar story many folks can relate to. We have expectations placed upon us that don't always align with our own wants, needs and dreams- and sometimes that struggle to appease just starts looking like good ol' arrested development. Haha! Then you go and do something nuts! You're forced into motion.

I think we all have some version of this, yeah?

Alice

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Well... what I said above mos def applies here. Also, doesn't everyone sort of feel like they're letting their family down in some way? Like- everyone! Hahahaa... cry.

But seriously, the reasons not to go after your dreams are plentiful. Maybe it doesn't look like what your friends from high school are doing. Maybe it's because you don't know if you can believe in yourself that hard! Or perhaps you have pressure to provide, not embarrass or worry your family that keep you from following your passions. Whatever your reason, 'Alice' feels all that too. She's just a modern gal figuring it out!

I know a lot of Alices. I'm an Alice.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Oftentimes there is tweaking and massaging that happens to a script before shooting begins. I love it! Thankfully, Sarah was pretty open to that and quick with rewrites!

To serve the story best, I would keep coming back to the questions- what is the event and why now? Originally, Alice's parents wanted to set up the meeting for a day that fell later in the week which conflicted with her performance that same night. We just moved that up so the conversation wasn't about something in the near future, but that same exact day. That change then created a push for the character to take action in a sort of desperate and more pressing way toward the end of the film.

I also thought it was important we show Alice as an adult woman with certain needs. So, audiences will see a moment in 'Alice' that is very human and funny, rounding her out. Sarah was super game and I think the change made it more fun and challenging (for her) to play!

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Feedback has been positive and also constructive! My friends and peers are tough and smaaaart. They are super supportive and can see what we were going for and we continue to learn from each others triumphs. And I think this certainly is that! We are all working and pushing ourselves, creating on micro-budgets and deadlines (for the moment). Luckily, my incredible community can still tap into their own soft centers and were more than able to find a connection with Alice's journey. They could identify with her AND her parents. That's a beautiful thing.

Alice

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I have thought a lot about this and I think saying it's just another story about the immigrant and first generation experience is too easy. It is a familiar story, but ya know what? -I've found that having something recognizable puts an audience at ease so they can then take in other elements and flavors of a story.

It was a challenge and a goal to tell the story of 'Alice' in a visually interesting way and I'm so proud of what was accomplished given the budget and time limitations of doing indie. It just goes to show, you don't have to have a ton of money to make something compelling and relatable!

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want eyes on it! I want people to feel less alone. I want people to laugh a little!

I want to continue being a part of the movement that is happening with the creation of work by and for diverse groups, specifically Asians -which is new to me. I'm adopted and was raised by white folks, so I had a different kind of All American dynamic as a girl. But I see myself in Alice. And I just love a good story.

I want more opportunities for myself and my awesome cast and crew!

I want so many things! Hahaa!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above! Yes, please! Hit me up and let's chat, yo!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Well... I would really love for it to have an incredibly warm and energized reception! Hahaaa! Also, please see above answers.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

If you were Alice, what would you do next?

Alice - Behind the Scenes

Would you like to add anything else?

Just- thanks so much for reaching out to me! I appreciate it.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Sarah is busy working on writing the feature length version of 'Alice', while Esther is getting set to shoot a leading role for an indie pilot that will be shopped around! And me?- Well, I've got some exciting projects for a major media outlet in the works! I am also excited to share news that the whimsical little gem-of-a-music video I directed, called 'Southern Winds' (by Jane Lui), was just picked up for distribution by boingboingTV, to air on Virgin America flights! Fun, right?!

Other than that, we're all just auditioning and hustling our butts off! Yeah!

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela